Last night featured the biggest slate of NBA games since April, with 15 teams in action. The usual wonders of athleticism were on display from the usual suspects: James Harden, Andre Drummond, DeMarcus Cousins, Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, et al. Equally on display were the abnormal number of buckets swished right before end-of-the quarter horns.

Everybody who has put up shots alone has done it. “5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1 …” Launch. In the Bulls-Pistons overtime affair, there were four buzzer-beaters to close a frame. And on and on it went, an endless loop of dramatic finishes, celebrations and dejection.

Another night like this and I don’t know if I can wait another three weeks for opening night.